Cultural diversity
Religion
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
About this topic
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.
Interpretation notes
- This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
- No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.
Key insight
In 2021, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Fernleigh, accounting for 58.6% (173 people). This share was higher than Ballina (A) (42.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 52 people and 16 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Fernleigh - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Fernleigh in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Ballina (A) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Fernleigh, with comparison markers for Ballina (A).
No Religion, so described
Western Catholic
Anglican Church of Australia
Not stated
Presbyterian
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+52
+16.0pp
Western Catholic
+6
+1.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-18
-6.7pp
Not stated
-21
-7.7pp
Presbyterian
+6
+2.0pp
Data table
Religion for Fernleigh. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Ballina (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 173 | 58.6% | 42.4% | 121 | 42.6% | 30.2% | +52 | +16.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 52 | 17.6% | 19.7% | 46 | 16.2% | 21.9% | +6 | +1.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 24 | 8.1% | 15.0% | 42 | 14.8% | 19.1% | -18 | -6.7pp |
| Not stated | 23 | 7.8% | 6.8% | 44 | 15.5% | 9.7% | -21 | -7.7pp |
| Presbyterian | 12 | 4.1% | 3.2% | 6 | 2.1% | 4.2% | +6 | +2.0pp |
| Total | 295 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 284 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +11 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.